Fair closes on a high note

The Wilson County Fair closed on a high note Saturday, breaking all attendance records in the fair’s history.

Wilson County Fair President Hale Moss described this year’s fair as “remarkable.”

“I think when you look at the fair statistically, it’s obviously a huge success,” said Moss.

Nearly 124,000 people attended the fair Saturday, making it the most attended day in the fair’s history. The overall attendance, nearly 590,000 attendees, topped the previous all-time record of 545,945, which was set in 2011.

“From the event management side of it, it was an incredible coming together of all the committees putting together all those events,” said Moss.

He said the “Year of the Honeybee” theme was a huge success, combining fun activities with educational activities and demonstrations. He also praised the food vendors and their unique offerings.

Moss said the fair’s new entrance from Sparta Pike, which opened this year, helped ease parking.

Lebanon police Chief Scott Bowen said that despite the record attendance, police encountered few problems. He said there were a few car crashes associated with fair traffic, particularly on Interstate 40, and the main crimes encountered were car burglaries.

“To put that many people in there, we really didn’t have that much go on,” said Bowen.

Moss said word of the fair is starting to spread beyond Middle Tennessee. He said he heard of one visitor from Chicago who visited the fair while in Tennessee for the race at Bristol. Another visitor he was aware of came from Knoxville.

“To reach a level where the fair is reaching out beyond our Middle Tennessee area is remarkable,” said Moss.

He extended his thanks to all the community members who helped support the fair.